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Last Updated:
Dec 10th, 2009 - 15:27:12 |
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On Monday, November 30th, the sentencing hearing for the owner of the horses in the Deerfield horse abuse case took place in Portage County Municipal Court.
The case involved the removal of 15 horribly neglected horses from a location in Deerfield, Ohio, on Monday, April 210, 2009. The Portage Animal Protective League of Portage County requested the assistance of Happy Trails in providing shelter and medical care for these horses that were suffering from malnutrition, excessive hoof growth, horrific skin conditions, and lack of proper care and maintenance.
At a pre-trial, the owner of the horses, Jennifer Cooper, plead guilty to animal abuse and agreed to a PSI (pre sentence investigation) in lieu of a trial. The information in the case is then presented to the judge. In this situation, the judge alone is solely responsible for declaring the sentence.
In the courtroom on Nov. 30th, Judge Barbara Oswick publicly acknowledged the role of Happy Trails in the rescue, and thanked the sanctuary for stepping up to the place and providing a safe haven, medical care and rehabilitation for these horses. That itself was very surprising and very much appreciated - we don’t normally get that.
I have to say that I am quite impressed with how Judge Oswick handled everything, and she offered a detailed and lengthy explanation of how she arrived at the sentence she was about to impart. She talked about how she had to take into consideration all parties involved, including the horses themselves, the community, the horse’s owner, the work of the sanctuary and the Portage APL, and the fact that the defendant had custody of two mentally challenged grandchildren and that they played a big part of her decision in sentencing.
Judge Oswick declared the sentence as follows:
• Ms. Cooper was to find homes for the horses that she currently owned (the owner had already complied with this order).
• Ms. Cooper is not permitted to own any animals, including farm animals, horses or domestic animals. She is permitted to keep the several dogs and cats that she currently has, but is not permitted to replace them when they pass on. The one cat that is not spayed is required to be spayed.
• Jail time of 180 days was reduced to 30 days in jail, then 90 days on house arrest, and then 2 years probation.
• A required psychiatric and psychological evaluation and counseling.
• Restitution of $23,000 to Happy Trails, to be paid in a monthly payment to be determined by her probation officer. (Note: Realistically, this money never materializes.)
I believe that Judge Oswick’s verdict was fair and just, and it had to be very difficult for her to balance all the factors in the case, including the children that were involved. I think she did an incredible job.
Often people only speak up and complain when they feel that an injustice has been served or they are upset with a verdict. PLEASE let’s do just the opposite here! I would like to encourage everyone to speak out and send a quick, pleasant thank you note to Judge Oswick for addressing animal abuse in Portage County seriously and for the fair and just sentences that she declared. She is a sellar example for other judges regarding sentencing and handling of animal cruelty cases. And please encourage your friends to do the same! Let the courts know that people are watching the outcome of animal abuse cases, and we appreciate seeing justice served!
Please send a polite note to:
Judge Barbara Oswick
Portage County Courts
Municipal Division
203 West Main Street
Ravenna, Ohio 44266.
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